EHV Estimator - Cables

NES Group Ltd; Welwyn; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure consulting firm in the UK is looking for an experienced EHV Civils Estimator to join their expanding team in 2026. This role involves producing detailed cost estimates for EHV underground cable projects while ensuring compliance with regulations. Candidates must have at least 5 years of experience in civils estimating and strong knowledge of streetworks legislation. The position is ideal for professionals seeking to contribute to major energy infrastructure initiatives. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience estimating civils works for EHV/HV cable route projects.
• Ability to estimate from first principles using real-world productivity.
• Familiarity with NRSWA, local authority permit schemes, and streetworks regulations.

Responsibilities

• Produce detailed first principles cost estimates for EHV underground cable routes.
• Work with various teams to ensure estimates are compliant and accurate.
• Prepare risk-adjusted pricing and support bid reviews.

Skills

Estimating civils works

NRSWA compliance

MS Excel

Streetworks regulations knowledge

Job description

NESFircroft are proud to be representing a large-scale infrastructure, energy and communications client based in the UK. Actively searching for a EHV Civils Estimator to join in 2026 due to expansion and successful project wins. This offers the perfect opportunity for someone to step into a growing business with a dynamic client base.

SCOPE OF ROLE

As an EHV Civils Estimator, you'll be responsible for producing detailed first principles cost estimates for Extra High Voltage (EHV) underground cable routes (typically 132kV-400kV). Your estimates will be built from scratch, utilising your in-depth understanding of trenching, ducting, joint bays, street works, and permitting, to ensure every submission is compliant, accurate, and commercially viable. You'll work closely with engineering, construction, commercial, and procurement teams, contributing to bid strategies that win projects and support successful delivery.

HOW YOU'LL SUCCEED

Estimating & Cost Development

• Develop first-principles cost estimates for civil elements of EHV cable routes.
• Build up rates for trenching, joint bays, HDD/trenchless crossings, duct installation, backfill, and reinstatement.
• Factor in labour, plant, materials, and prelims based on real productivity norms.
• Tailor cost models to reflect route-specific constraints, phasing, and methodology.

Compliance & Technical Understanding

• Incorporate NRSWA legislation, permit schemes, lane rental costs, and traffic management plans.
• Price for night/weekend working, embargo periods, and restricted access scenarios.
• Ensure reinstatement types and guarantee periods are fully costed and compliant.
• Review civil drawings, utility records, and GI data to inform your cost assumptions.
• Understand cable system requirements, e.g. thermal backfill, spacing, and installation tolerances.
• Identify and account for SEDs, congested zones, or third-party interfaces.

Commercial Awareness and Tender Support

• Clearly document key cost drivers, risks, assumptions, and exclusions.
• Prepare risk-adjusted pricing, contingency allowances, and transparent audit trails.
• Support internal bid reviews and handovers to delivery.
• Create pricing schedules, BoQs, and breakdowns.
• Assess subcontractor/supplier quotations.
• Respond to tender clarifications and support post-submission queries.

Essential Requirements

• 5+ years' experience estimating civils works for EHV/HV cable route projects.
• Proven ability to estimate from first principles using real-world productivity.
• Excellent knowledge of NRSWA, local authority permit schemes, and streetworks regulations.
• Strong skills in MS Excel, Word, Project, and Outlook.
• Experience interpreting utility route layouts, GI data, and technical specs.

Desirable Requirements

• Estimating experience with voltages up to 400kV.
• Knowledge of trenchless methods (HDD, thrust bore, microtunnelling).
• Familiarity with NEC or framework contract pricing.
• Street Works Supervisor qualification.
• Experience with DNOs, ICPs, or EPC contractors.